Trucking Accidents in New Jersey
Trucking accidents comprise an inordinate number of highway fatalities across the nation's highways and byways, and New Jersey's rate of these horrific accidents is no exception. In 2007 alone, there were 46 tractor-trailers involved in 43 crashes that resulted in 45 fatalities.
Although there has been some decline in accident fatalities involving tractor-trailers since then, that the downward trend will continue is not expected, partially due to the increased concern for much smaller and more ecology friendly vehicles to pervade the country’s highways. These vehicles are even more likely to be unnoticed, whether the vehicle is or is not in the huge blind spot, or ‘no zone’ areas of these large trucks. That tractor-trailers, 18 wheelers, and semis are the cause of over a half million deaths per year in this country is not going to be diminished by the call for smaller and more fuel efficient vehicles to dominate the country’s major thoroughfares alongside these monstrosities, and it may very well see an increase in such fatalities. New Jersey’s congested highways, with dense traffic in and out of New York City will likely remain a top contributor to these troubling statistics.
Keeping in mind the precautions to take when in the company of these large trucks on the road, a good driver might be able to minimize the chances that he will be involved in such an accident, but there is not much one can do to ensure that truckers are doing their part to restrict accidents. These accidents can and will occur, and it is of utmost importance to know what to do when and if you are involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer so that you can claim all the rights endowed to you by law. These rights may include your ability to maximize medical expense reimbursement, wages lost due to time out of work because of injury, mental and physical pain and suffering, and a host of other damages that might be specific to your particular case.
Some of the things you can do to help yourself are to call your attorney immediately, letting him know the urgency of the matter. Do not refuse any medical assistance. Even if you do not feel pain at that time, allow emergency medics to check you and all your passengers. Except for giving the police pertinent information, do not discuss the accident with anyone. Saying something that you think is insignificant to someone who may later be called as a witness for another party involved may be construed in a way that you did not intend, and this can be used against you. Getting names, addresses, and phone numbers of all parties at the scene is important information that your attorney will want to have. Notify your insurance company of the claim, and allow your attorney, knowledgeable in all the finer aspects of trucking accidents to take over from there. The initial costs to you will be nothing. When the case has been settled in your favor, a small portion of the settlement will go to compensate your counsel.
